In what should have NFL scouts flocking to New York City, the battle between two of our Top 3 quarterback prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft play today in their final game as college players.
While this won't be the last we see of both (though Geno Smith might be waiting until the NFL Combine to throw against in fron tof cameras), this game could be a way for Geno to bounce back from a poor second half of the year, and Ryan Nassib to get his much deserved credit. And, oh yeah, there's 6 other prospects to watch in this one as well.
Notes from Eric Galko and Alex Brown of Optimum Scouting
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia- #12, 6'3, 215
If ball control is the measuring stick for accuracy, then Geno Smith by all means is a quarterback deserving of the highest accuracy marks. His receivers are rarely forced to break their stride on drags, digs, deep crossing patterns, posts, or go routes, as Smith has both the arm talent to drive the ball down field and the anticipation to lead his receivers with the throw. When forced to move off his spot and reset his feet in a collapsing pocket, Smith consistently kept his eye level down field while avoiding the rush. His patience and poise in a clean pocket, as well as his smooth, elusiveness to slide and buy time adjust to a collapsing one, afforded his receivers the time necessary to continually create separation down the field, resulting in a more explosive pass offense. Equally impressive is how polished and savvy, Geno Smith has become as a quarterback. I have a strong feeling Geno Smith will ascend rapidly up draft boards if he hasn't already, as he possesses all the physical tools such as size, arm strength, and athleticism, along with the polished footwork, high football IQ, and mental makeup to succeed in the NFL. I expect to see continued improvement with Geno Smith, as his work ethic is second to none. The near consensus top quarterback is that because he's showed great composure, controlled in the pocket, and confident in his skill set, at least for most of the early part of the year.
Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia – #3, 5'10, 200 (JR)
All season long, Stedman Bailey displayed consistently strong, physical hands at the point of the catch, winning short, intermediate and deep, regardless of how many defenders were nearby. Is a very precise and calculated route runner that possesses the fluid hips to get in and out of breaks with ease. On deep post routes and vertical-9 patterns, Bailey was tremendous in attack the cornerback’s technique, winning the positioning battle by stacking over the top of the cornerback and maintaining leverage through the catch point by keeping the corner on his back hip. His speed, surprising physicality and suddenness in and out of breaks, make for a dynamic outside receiver at the NFL level.
Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia – #1, 5'9, 180
An elite slot-prospect with a great upside to develop as a route runner and severe limitations due to a lack of size, Tavon Austin will prove to be one of the more interesting, intriguing, and unique prospects to discuss, heading into the 2013 NFL Draft. Just now hitting his stride as a route runner and receiver in general, Austin has only scratched the surface of his incredible potential. A dangerous homerun threat with the ball in his hands, Austin possesses a rare combination of athletic ability movement skills, and pure speed that has never been seen at the NFL level. While he mirrors the production and play style of Percy Harvin, Austin is an even more agile, more elusive, more dynamic runner in the open field, and thus makes for a difficult comparison. More of a 2nd round type of player due to his limitations as a slot-only prospect, I expect Austin to come off the board as a top 50 player.
Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse – #12, 6'2, 218
Thankfully, Nassib has gotten more press even outside of this website, as he has been (and still is, for us) the most under rated quarterback in the country this season. Despite having lackluster talent around him, he’s developed elite decisiveness, post-snap reads, and footwork in the pocket and on the outside thanks to NFL-style head coaching from Doug Marrone. Nassib has a quick release, adequate arm strength, and the willingness/timing to make tough throws.
Justin Pugh, OT, Syracuse – #67, 6'6, 305 (RS JR)
Coming off an early season injury, Pugh has returned strong this year as the team’s left tackle and has given Ryan Nassib a better chance to succeed. He opens up laterally with great balance, bending well on the outside. He extends his arms with good footwork, playing over his pads well and efficiently. He utilizes his strong hands well on the inside and to reach blocks, but is susceptible to double moves. He can be more consistent with initial hand placement vs. speed rushers, and needs to get a little thicker to handle power rushers more effectively. While he may not be an elite 1st round left tackle prospect, he certainly could impress enough to be a late first round, early second round offensive tackle prospect.
Shamarko Thomas, S, Syracuse – #21, 5'10, 208
An active, aggressive, and fluid strong safety prospect, Thomas has shown just about everything you need to see for a safety prospect. He’s flashed the ability to play man coverage in the slot, press coverage experience, and drops to a shorter and deeper zone this season. He’s not developed in really any of those areas, and his pass coverage could be improved in making more efficient zones and in transitioning receivers in zone pick-up. Still, he shows the ability to defend the run very well, is explosive upfield, and shows the tools to develop as a safety at the next level.
Others to Watch:
Alec Lemon, WR, Syracuse – #15, 6'2, 202
Marcus Sales, WR, Syracuse – #5, 6'0, 183
JD Woods, WR, West Virginia – #81, 6'1, 189
Terrance Garvin, OLB, Weset Virginia – #28, 6'3, 223
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